After nearly year-long search, Reston Association names new CEO

After a nearly year-long search, Reston Association officially has a new CEO.

Mac Cummins, who was director of community development in the City of Bellevue, Washington, was unanimously named CEO by RA’s Board of Directors last night (Thursday).

Cummins has worked for more than 20 years in municipal government. His most recent position was managing a $79 million budget and managing economic development, planning, affordable housing, and other initiatives in Bellevue.

“His extensive expertise in planning and community development will provide the association with the innovative thinking and collaborative leadership needed to move us forward in our efforts to actively advocate for issues most important to our members, including recreational and sports activities, environmental sustainability, and land use,” Board President Sarah Selvaraj-D’Souza said when introducing Cummins at the meeting.

Cummins was also a planning manager in Westminster, Colorado, and a planner in Scottsdale, Arizona. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern California in public administration, city, community and regional planning. His bachelor’s degree was in public policy and management.

During the meeting, Cummins said he studied Reston for years as part of urban planning coursework.

“I have observed the vision of Robert Simon being realized with such amazing amenities and smart planning around open space, recreation facilities, trails and housing,” Cummins said. “This commitment to quality of life and community is a primary factor in my family’s excitement to be a part of the Reston community. I am thankful for the opportunity to lead this dynamic, community-oriented organization.”

His first day will be on Aug. 22.

Cummins takes a position vacated by former CEO Hank Lynch, who announced his resignation last August.